I am no stranger to Capitol Hill as I am there often advocating for Breast Cancer and thanks to the Organic Trade Association, I had the opportunity to join farmers, CEOS, parents, lobbyists, and scientist as we educated and advocated elected officials on the importance of Organic.
Choosing Organic is how I invest in the well being of my family and help further the mission of a healthier life for all. Organic Week afforded me an opportunity to learn what our government is doing to ensure that organics are available to every person no matter their socioeconomic status.
ADVOCACY
ad·vo·ca·cy \ˈad-və-kə-sē\
Merriam Webster
the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal : the act or
process of advocating something
What is The Organic Trade Association
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing over 9,500 organic businesses across 50 states. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers' associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. Organic products represented include organic foods, ingredients and beverages, as well as organic fibers, personal care products, pet foods, nutritional supplements, household cleaners and flowers. OTA’s Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members. *
What is #OrganicWeek?
Organic Week DC is hosted over 3 days: Member Day, Advocacy Day and Conference Day.
Member Day is for members of the OTA to discuss industry issues, task force meetings and special activities.
Advocacy Day is where we actually shared our personal stories and educated Members of Congress and their staff on the importance of Organic. This is a bipartisan issue so after being split into small groups we visited 186 congressional offices, representing 43 states.
Conference Day culminates the week and will focus on bold ideas and critical conversations in a unique new venue – Dock 5 – a creative urban space in the nexus of the bustling, historic Union Market.
Why Does Organic Matter?
Organic refers to way that products are grown and processed. Everyday households across the country recognize the importance of supporting the organic industry.
Organic is Good for the U.S. Economy
• Growth
• Farm Health
• Jobs
• Rural Development and Communities
• Sustainable Practices and Farmworker Health
Organic is a Choice
• Elective Standard
• Market-Based Label
• Consumer Driven
• Access to Healthy Foods
The Farm Bill
The Farm Bill (The Agriculture Improvement Act) was signed into law in December 2018, and it includes policies that promote a healthy organic marketplace, ensure that organic farmers continue to be successful and that organic expands production.
What are the Asks for 2019?
- Fully funded organic programs in annual appropriations and requires USDA to issue a final rule on Origin of Livestock.
- Increase accessibility for organic foods in federal programs that feed children.
- Recognize the contributions of organic farming in mitigating climate change.
- Repair the public-private partnership and advance organic standards.
How You Can Help?
- Reach out to your elected officials and let them know that these asks are important to you.
- Continue to buy organic products. You can be full-on organic or just buy a few products
- Educate family and friends on why you choose Organic.
- Get involved with organizations such as Organic Trade Association
- Support local growers in your area.
*Organic Trade Association Website
